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Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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Pregnancy Conceived While Using an IUD
QUESTION
Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I am six to seven weeks pregnant. When I found out I was pregnant last week I had my IUD removed. I am concerned because I am still spotting after the IUD removal and I was spotting quite a lot before the IUD came out. I would like to consider not having the baby. What do you think? Please let me know the pros and cons of doing so. I'll wait to hear back from you. Thank you.

— Babli

ANSWER
October 11, 2001
Dear Babli,
The decision to terminate a pregnancy is a personal one. The pros and cons have to do with your beliefs and what you want for your life and for your family.

The decision may not need to be made, since the spotting that you are experiencing may well be a miscarriage in process--but only time will tell. Pregnancies that occur with an IUD in place are also at increased risk of being outside the uterus--an ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound or serial hCG measurements may help to sort out the situation more quickly.

This is a pregnancy that will need medical attention for a week or two while its destiny becomes clear. If it appears to be progressing normally at that point, your doctor or a reproductive health clinic like Planned Parenthood can provide you with counseling about pregnancy termination, so you can make the decision that is right for you.

— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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